Gastric Bypass Leakage: Should I Worry?

There are potential complications with gastric bypass procedures, a very common bariatric surgery procedure option. Patients should be educated on the risks so they can make informed decisions. A gastric bypass leak is one of the most severe complications of this surgical procedure. Your recovery treatment will involve close monitoring, especially during the first week post-op. You’ll have what to watch for that could indicate potential complications. 

Anastomotic leaks happen in less than 5% of gastric bypass surgeries. This may lead to internal bleeding or infection. 

Common symptoms of a gastric leak include the following:

• Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
• Dizziness 
• Shortness of breath
• Fever 
• Abdominal pain
• Drainage from a surgical wound
• Nausea and vomiting
• Low blood pressure
• Decreased urine output
• Left chest or shoulder pain
• Abdominal distension

Gastric leak symptoms vary from patient to patient and may mimic other health conditions. This is why you must follow a comprehensive aftercare plan and keep your surgeon aware of any concerning symptoms as soon as they arise. 

Gastric Bypass Surgery

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the most commonly performed weight loss surgery worldwide. During Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, your surgeon creates a small stomach pouch by dividing the top of the stomach from the rest. Then, the small intestine is divided, and the bottom portion is connected to the new small stomach pouch. Next, the small intestine's top portion is connected to the small intestine further down, where digestive enzymes from the bypassed stomach will eventually mix with the food you consume. 

This procedure can provide long-term weight loss. In addition to weight loss, gastric bypass may improve, or even resolve, other conditions related to obesity, including:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Type 2 diabetes
• Stroke
• Infertility
• Mobility 
• Energy levels 

When committing to your long-term weight loss journey, gastric bypass surgery can help provide an enhanced quality of life—making permanent healthy changes in your diet, committing to a regular exercise regimen, and staying connected with a robust support system. This can be through friends and family or a public support group. In addition, making a public proclamation of your goals creates accountability, which is foundational to sustained success. 

Gastric Bypass Near Me 

A gastric leak is a potentially life-threatening complication of gastric bypass surgery. A surgeon with specialized expertise in performing this procedure has to have a medical team providing excellent aftercare. When you are ready, search for “gastric bypass near me.” Check surgeon reviews and success rates, and reach out to patients willing to share their experiences. 

If you are seriously considering bariatric weight-loss surgery, the surgeons at BASS Bariatric Surgery Center can help. We have been providing weight-loss treatments to patients throughout the San Francisco, Bay Area, and East Bay for nearly 20 years. Major cities we serve include Brentwood and Walnut Creek. Our offices treat various conditions, from obesity to heart disease and high blood pressure. Our experience gives us a clear insight into the questions and concerns of patients seeking a solution to their obesity. We are here to help!